RRB

Junior Engineers (JE)

Railway Recrement Board

Volume - 5

Basic Environment, Pollution Control & Computer

 Table of Content
S Page
Chapter Title
No. No.

1 Environment 1

2 Pollution 19

3 Solid Waste Management 59

4 Global Warming & Climate Change 79

5 Ozone Depletion 104

6 Introduction to Computer 113

7 Computer Working System, Input, Output and Storage 116

8 Computer System 121

9 Computer Organization 124

10 Computer Languages 127

11 Computer Software 129

12 Operating System 130

13 Microsoft Windows, Its Different Versions and Its Basic Components 132

14 Word Processing Software (Microsoft Word) 134

15 Microsoft Power Point (M.S. Power Point) 136

16 Microsoft Excel (M.S. Excel) (Spreadsheet Software) 138

17 Internet 144

18 Computer Networking 148

19 Network Topology 150

20 Website 152

21 Database 155

22 Information and Communication Technology 161

23 Social Networking Sites 175

 Table of Content
S Page
Chapter Title
No. No.

24 Word Abbreviation 180

 1 Environment
CHAPTER
Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Pre Mains - - 1 - 6 - 2 - 1 - - - - - - - 1 - 2 - - -
● Definition: sum total of living, non-living ○ Atmosphere: Invisible envelope of gases
components; influences and events ○ Hydrosphere: Reserve of water in any form
surrounding an organism. on the surface of Earth
○ Non-static, as both biotic and abiotic ○ Lithosphere: Rigid outer covering/crust of
factors are in flux and keep changing Earth
continuously. ○ Biosphere: The region
● Scope of Environment:
○ where life exists

Note: ● United Nations International Strategy for

Carrying Capacity: Disaster Reduction characterises
It implies that the extraction of resources is well environmental degradation as the lessening of
within the limits of its regeneration rate, and the limit of the earth to meet social and
waste generated is within the assimilating
environmental destinations and needs.
capacity of the environment.
● Various forms of Environmental Degradation:
Absorptive Capacity: ○ Air Degradation (air pollution)
It is the ability or capacity of the environment to
○ Water Degradation (water pollution,
absorb degradation.
eutrophication, etc.)
● Environment can function well only within
its Carrying Capacity. ○ Land Degradation (solid waste, e-waste,
● If it fails, it results in an Environmental Crisis. landfills, soil erosion, soil degradation)
Environmental Degradation ○ Deforestation,
● Deterioration of the environment through the ○ Rising sea levels,
consumption of assets, for example, air, water, ○ Desertification
soil, and wildlife eradication.
1
Environmental Kuznets Curve
● Economic development initially leads to ● Legal restriction – There is currently no
environmental deterioration, but after a international law prohibiting ecocide
certain level of economic growth, a society during peacetime; however, the Rome
begins to improve its relationship with the Statute criminalizes it.
environment, and levels of environmental Status of India on Environment Related
degradation reduce. Offences:
● With the growth in per capita income, the ● As per the National Crime Records
environmental impact reaches its maximum Bureau (NCRB)’s report, 2022, the total
and thereafter declines. number of environmental crimes in
○ Initial Stage: more resources → greater India decreased by around 18% in
waste generated with more emissions. 2022, compared to 2021.
○ Later Stage: economic development → ● Environment-related offenses include
pollution reduces, environment-friendly violations under seven acts:
technology. ○ The Forest Act, 1927, Forest
Conservation Act, 1980, The
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, The
Environmental (Protection) Act,
1986, Air (Prevention and Control
of Pollution) Act, 1981, Water
(Prevention & Control of Pollution)
Act, 1974, The Noise Pollution
(Regulation and Control) Rules,
2000, National Green Tribunal Act,
2010.
Latest Update
● The cases registered for violating the
Ecocide: Crime against Environment Air (Prevention and Control of
Meaning of Ecocide: Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Water
● Unlawful or wanton acts committed (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act,
with knowledge that there is a 1974 have increased by around 42%.
substantial likelihood of severe and ● Violations registered under the
either widespread or long-term damage Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986
to the environment being caused by also have increased by around 31%.
those acts. ● Forest offences increased in four states
● Ecocide means significant harm or Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
destruction to ecosystems, often Maharashtra and Haryana.
caused by humans. ● Wildlife offences increased in five states
● Examples- Deforestation during the including Bihar, Punjab, Mizoram,
Vietnam War, the destruction of the Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.
environment during the Russian ● Rajasthan, with the maximum number
invasion of Ukraine, deforestation in (30%) of wildlife crime cases in the
Indonesia and the Amazon rainforest, country, recorded a 50% increase in
oil pollution in the Niger Delta and the
such offenses in 2022 compared to
Chernobyl disaster.
2021.

2
Related Statistics Measures to Control Environmental
• To maintain our current way of life we need an Degradation
equivalent of 1.6 Earths. (UNEP)
• One million of the world’s estimated 8 million • Sustainable Practices:
species of plants and animals are threatened o Implement sustainable farming practices
with extinction. (IPBES) to reduce soil degradation.
• 75 percent of the Earth’s land surface has been o Encourage organic farming methods to
significantly altered by human actions, minimize the use of harmful chemicals.
including 85 percent of wetland areas. (IPBES) • Waste Management:
• 66 percent of ocean area is impacted by o Promote proper waste disposal and
human activities, including from fisheries and recycling programs.
pollution. (IPBES) o Discourage illegal dumping and ensure the
• Close to 90% of the world’s marine fish stocks safe disposal of industrial waste.
are fully exploited, overexploited or depleted. • Conservation Efforts:
(UNCTAD)
o Establish and enforce strict regulations to
• Our global food system is the primary driver of
protect ecosystems and prevent habitat
biodiversity loss with agriculture alone being
destruction.
the identified threat 24,000 of the 28,000
o Implement conservation programs for
species at risk of extinction. (Chatham House
endangered wildlife and their habitats.
and UNEP)
• Agricultural expansion is said to account for • Reducing Pollution:
70% of the projected loss of terrestrial o Implement measures to control air
biodiversity. (CBD) pollution from industrial activities and
vehicles.
Consequences of Environment Degradation
o Enforce stricter regulations on water
• Around 3.2 billion people, or 40 percent of the pollution, ensuring the protection of water
global population, are adversely affected by
bodies.
land degradation.
• Renewable Energy:
• Up to $577 billion in annual global crop
o Promote the use of renewable energy
production is at risk from pollinator loss.
sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• 25 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions
o Invest in research and development of
are generated by land clearing, crop
production and fertilization. clean energy technologies.
• Development is putting animals and humans in • Environmental Education:
closer contact increasing the risk of diseases o Increase awareness through educational
like COVID-19 to spread. About 60 percent of programs about the consequences of
human infections are estimated to have an environmental degradation.
animal origin. o Encourage responsible behavior among
• 100-300 million people are at increased risk of individuals, communities, and industries.
floods and hurricanes because of coastal • International Collaboration:
habitat loss. o Foster international cooperation to
• Declines in nature and biodiversity at current address global environmental issues.
trajectories will undermine progress toward 35 o Collaborate on research, technology
out of 44 of the targets of SDGs related to transfer, and sharing best practices for
poverty, hunger, health, water cities, climate,
sustainable development.
oceans and land.
3
• Policy Reforms: iv. authority to issue direct orders to close,
o Advocate for and implement policies that prohibit or regulate any industry.
prioritize environmental conservation. v. power of entry for examination, testing of
o Integrate environmental considerations into equipment, soil, air and water of any
urban planning and infrastructure industry or place.
development. vi. Prohibits discharges of environmental
pollutants more than prescribed
Environmentalism
regulatory standards.
● Political and Ethical movements to improve
vii. Prohibition against handling hazardous
and protect the quality of the natural substances without compliance with
environment by discouraging regulatory standards.
environmentally harmful practices and viii. Provision for penalties including
promoting socio-economic and political imprisonment, fine or both.
organizations to establish a sustainable
Benefits of the Environment Protection Act
human-nature relationship.
• Protection of public health: Ensures availability
● Also known as Green Movement or
of healthy environment by restricting and
Conservation Movement.
checking pollution.
Environment Protection Efforts in India • Promotes sustainable development: Prevents
the exploitation of natural resources and
Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 preserves them for future generations.
• Enacted after Bhopal Gas UPSC Pre - 2022 • Positively empowers the central government:
tragedy. The Central Government has been given
• Objective: To implement the decisions of the immense powers to not only appoint authorities
United Nations Conference on the Human to carry out various functions but also to take all
Environment of 1972. the possible measures to further the objectives
of the Act.
• Defines Environment- Including water, air and
• Strict penal provisions: Penalises for the
land and the inter-relationships which exist
breach of its provisions and lays down the
among water, air and land and human beings
liability of companies and government
and other living creatures, plants, micro-
departments for polluting the environment.
organisms and property.
• Protecting ecological integrity: Preserves the
• “Environmental pollution” - presence of pollutant, ecological integrity by maintaining it in its
defined as any solid, liquid or gaseous substance unpolluted and natural form.
present in such a concentration as may be or may
Drawbacks of the Environment Protection Act
tend to be injurious to the environment.
• Too general in nature: It covers only the broad
• “Hazardous substances” includes any
aspects and leaves out the details.
substance or preparation, which may cause
• Conflicting jurisdiction: If an offence is
harm to human beings, other living creatures,
punishable by both this Act and some other
plants, microorganisms, property or the
legislation, then the offender is to be punished
environment.
under the other law and not this. This provision
• Provisions: lessens the effectiveness of this Act.
a. Central Government has the following powers: • Flexible penalty: The penal provisions are not
i. coordination of action by state, adequately stringent and deterrent. In most of
ii. planning and execution of programmes, the provisions, there is no minimum penalty
iii. Prescribing environmental quality provided. Also, the offenders have been
standards provided with a room to escape liability.
4
• Weak citizens’ suit provision: Common citizens • The Petitioners challenged this order
are not allowed to file a suit against the citing that no personal hearing was
environmental offenders unless 60 days prior provided to them and no time was
notice is given. Those 60 days could be easily granted to comply with the said
utilised by the offender to wipe out the evidence directions.
of his fault. • The Gujarat High Court held that in cases
• Not at par with the changing needs: The ambit of where there is a grave injury caused to
environment pollution has widened with the environment, the government is
technological advancements. But the definitions empowered to dispense with the
under the Act have not kept up with the pace. opportunity of hearing.
Specifically, the definition of ‘pollutant’ covers 3. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (The Ganga
only the particulate aspects. Pollution Case) (1988)
Important case laws regarding the Environment • Kanpur tannery industries discharging
Protection Act
their waste in the river Ganga since very
1. Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum v. Union of
long due to which in 1985, a massive fire
India (1996)
occurred in the river because of the
• River Palar in Tamil Nadu is one of the
presence of a toxic layer of chemicals
main water sources for the surrounding
formed on its surface.
people, was facing excessive pollution
• The Court directed each tannery to at
caused by tanneries and other industries
least install primary treatment plants.
and nearby agricultural land had also
• Also laid down the following guidelines:
turned unsuitable for cultivation.
o Central Government must ensure
• The Court directed the Central
mandatory Environment Education in
Government to appoint an authority within
one month under Environment schools.
(Protection) Act, 1986 and confer on it all o Also, the Central Government must
the adequate powers required to deal with publish environment textbooks.
the situation created by tanneries and 4. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (The Vehicular
other polluting industries in Tamil Nadu. Pollution Case) (1991)
• It also directed the authority to • A petition was filed to highlight the plight
implement the ‘precautionary principle’ of the capital due to vehicular pollution
and ‘polluter pays principle’. and suggest practical solutions to the
• A fund called ‘Environment Protection problem.
Fund’ was also to be constituted. • The Court held that:
2. Narula Dyeing and Printing Works v. Union o It is the duty of the state under the
of India (1995) DPSPs and also as mentioned in
• The Narula Dyeing and Printing Works article 51A as a fundamental duty, to
were allegedly discharging untreated protect the environment, life, flora,
pollutants into an irrigation canal and fauna.
resulting in significant water pollution. o Also directed to increase awareness
• The State Government as well as Gujarat in this regard.
State Pollution Control Board issued o A committee was formed to look into
directions under Section 5 of the vehicular pollution in the capital and
Environment Protection Act to close suggest practical solutions to prevent
down the factory. it.

5
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 • Penalty for non-compliance
• Established a National Green Tribunal for the o Imprisonment upto three years
effective and expeditious resolution of cases o A fine of up to ten crore rupees
involving environmental protection and o Both fine and imprisonment.
conservation of forests and other natural • Supreme Court can hear appeals from the
resources. NGT's orders ≤ ninety days after the date of
• About National Green Tribunal (NGT) communication.
o Specialised body established under the • The NGT deals with civil cases under the seven
National Green Tribunal Act (2010) laws related to the environment
o Facilitates effective and timely resolution of o The Water (Prevention and Control of
matters involving environmental protection Pollution) Act, 1974
and forest and other natural resource o The Water (Prevention and Control of
conservation. Pollution) Cess Act, 1977
o India - third country - after Australia and o The Air (Prevention and Control of
New Zealand, to establish a specialised Pollution) Act, 1981
environmental tribunal. o The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
o Required to resolve petitions within six o The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
months of their submission. o The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
o Guided by the principle of natural justice. o The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
o While passing any order/decision/ award, • Challenges
it shall apply the principles of sustainable o No jurisdiction over two acts - Wildlife
development, the precautionary principle (Protection) Act of 1972 and Scheduled
and the polluter pays principle. Tribes and Other Traditional Forest
• Composition Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act
o 10 experts+ 10 Judicial members appointed of 2006
for a five-year term (Strength ≤ 20) o NGT's judgements are being challenged in
o Not eligible for re-appointment. various High Courts under Article 226
o Appointed by Central Government in (authority of High Courts to issue certain
consultation with Chief Justice of India writs.
• Jurisdiction & Powers o NGT decisions have been criticised and
o All civil proceedings involving significant questioned because of their impacts on
environmental issues. economic aspects.
o Also possesses appellate jurisdiction to o Also criticised for the lack of a formula-
hear appeals as a Court (Tribunal). based system for assessing compensation.
o NGT, by order, may provide o Stakeholders and the government do not
▪ Relief and compensation to Victims of fully implement the NGT's decisions on
pollution and other environmental grounds of being impractical to implement
degradation within a specified timeframe.
▪ restitution of destroyed property, and o Shortage of personnel and financial
▪ environmental restitution in such resources - pending cases.
area(s) as it may think fit o Small number of regional benches -
o Judgement enforced as a civil court decree. impedes the delivery of justice

6
Major Conservation Movements of India
Bishnoi Movement Chipko Movement
• Year: 1700s • Year: 1973
• Place: Khejarli, Marwar region, Rajasthan • Place: In Chamoli district and later in Tehri-
state. Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
• Leaders: Amrita Devi and Bishnoi villagers in • Leaders: Sundarlal Bahuguna, Gaura Devi,
Khejarli and surrounding villages. Sudesha Devi, Bachni Devi, Chandi Prasad
• Aim: Save sacred Khejri trees from being cut Bhatt, Govind Singh Rawat, Dhoom Singh Negi,
down by the king's soldiers for a new palace. Shamsher Singh Bisht, and Ghanshyam Raturi.
• About the Movement: • Aim: Protect forests on the Himalayan slopes
o Inspired by the teachings of Guru Jambaji • About the Movement:
(forbidding harm to trees and animals), o Sundarlal Bahuguna aware villager about
Amrita Devi, along with other villagers, the importance of trees
hugged the trees to check the logging o Women of Advani village of Tehri-Garhwal
operation and sacrificed their lives. tied the sacred thread around the trunks of
o 363 Bishnoi villagers were killed in this trees and hugged the trees
movement. o The movement gathered momentum in
o As the king became aware of the incident, 1978, and the then-state Chief Minister,
apologized, and designated the Bishnoi set up a committee to look into the matter,
state as a protected area, forbidding harm eventually ruling in favour of the villagers.
to trees and animals.
Silent Valley Movement Jungle Bachao Andolan
• Year: 1978 • Year: 1982
• Place: Silent Valley, Palakkad district of Kerala • Place: Singhbhum district of Bihar
• Leaders: Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) • Leaders: tribals of Singhbhum.
an NGO, and the poet-activist Sughathakumari • Aim: to reverse the government's decision to
• Aim: To protect the Silent Valley forest from replace the natural sal forest with Teak.
being destroyed by a hydroelectric project. • About the Movement:
• About the Movement: o Tribals of the Singhbhum district of Bihar
o Kerala State Electricity Board proposed a protested against the government's
hydroelectric dam across Kunthipuzha decision to replace the natural sal forests
River. In 1983, the Silent Valley with the highly-priced teak.
Hydroelectric Project was called off, and in o The movement spread to Jharkhand and
1985, the Silent Valley National Park was Odisha.
inaugurated.
Appiko Movement Narmada Bachao Andolan
• Year: 1983 • Year: 1985
• Place: Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts of • Place: Narmada River, flowing through
Karnataka State Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Leaders: No specific leader. However, • Leaders: Medha Patkar, Baba Amte, Adivasis,
Pandurang Hegde served as the facilitator farmers, environmentalists, and human rights
• Aim: to protect natural forests against felling activists.
and commercialization • Aim: against the construction of large dams
• About the Movement: across the Narmada River.
7
 o Southern version of the Chipko movement. • About the Movement:
Locally known as Appiko Chaluvali o A protest to ensure proper rehabilitation
o Locals embraced the trees to be cut by and resettlement for displaced people due
contractors of the forest department using to the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
techniques to raise awareness, such as foot o Later focused on the preservation of the
marches in the interior forest, slide shows, environment and the ecosystem of the
folk dances, street plays, etc. valley. In 2000, SC approved the
construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Tehri Dam Conflict
• Year: 1990's
• Place: Bhagirathi River near Tehri in Uttarakhand.
• Leaders: Sundarlal Bahuguna
• Aim: To check the displacement of inhabitants and the environmental consequence of the weak
ecosystem.
• About the Movement:
o Raised the issues of high seismic sensitivity of the region, submergence of forest areas along
with Tehri town, etc.
o The movement has failed to gather enough popular support at the national and international
levels.

International Efforts for Environment ● The World Meteorological Organization and

UNEP established the Intergovernmental Panel
Protection on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988.
United Nations Conference on Human ● One of the several Implementing Agencies for
the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the
Development (1972)
Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the
● Marked the beginning of international Montreal Protocol, and it is also a member of
environmental law. the United Nations Development Group.
● Also led to the establishment of the United ● UNEP publishes:
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). ○ Actions on Air Quality
● Ist Conference - Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. ○ Emissions Gap Report
● Also known as “The Declaration on the Human ○ Adaptation Gap Report
○ Global Environment Outlook
Environment”.
○ Invest into Healthy Planet
● Set out principles for addressing various
○ Frontiers
environmental issues and the relationship
between environment and development. Regional Seas Program
● Established in 1974 to protect the oceans
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and seas at the regional level.
● Formation: 5 June 1972,
UN Environment Inquiry
● Headquarters at Nairobi, Kenya
● A leading international platform for
● Coordinates the organization's environmental advancing national and international efforts
activities and assists developing countries in to shift the trillions required for delivering an
implementing environmentally sound policies inclusive, green economy through
and practices. transforming the global financial system.

8
 ● Launched in 2014 Brundtland Report, 1987
● Its landmark 2015 report “The Financial ● Title: Our Common Future: Report of the
System We Need” revealed for the first time World Commission on Environment and
the ‘quiet revolution’ already taking place, Development
led particularly by some developing ● Aim: to discuss environment and
countries, and its potential to renew the development as a single unit
purpose of the financial system in the
● Objective: to find strategies to promote
context of sustainable development.
economic and social development to avoid
Adaptation Gap Report 2023
environmental degradation, over-
● published annually by the United Nations
exploitation, or pollution.
Environment Programme (UNEP)
● Sustainable Development:
● Key Findings
○ development that meets the needs of the
○ Adaptation costs will increase
present without compromising the ability
significantly by 2050 for most sectors,
of future generations to meet their own
especially under high-warming
needs.
scenarios.
○ Fundamental Components of
○ The adaptation finance needs are 10-18
Sustainable Development:
times as high as the current international
■ Environmental Protection: conserve
public adaptation fund flows.
and enhance the resource base and
○ In 2021, funding from developed
gradually change the technologies
countries for adaptation projects was
and their usage
15% lower than in previous years.
■ Social Inclusion: Developing nations
○ Out of the international public finance
get the opportunity to ensure
allocated for adaptation, only 2% is
employment, food, energy, water,
assessed as gender-
UPSC Pre - 2021 and sanitation by aiming for a
responsive
sustainable population
○ It identifies seven ways to bridge the
■ Economic Growth: revive economic
adaptation gap.
growth by ensuring equality of
■ This includes an increase in
qualitative growth for developing
international finance flows and
nations as developed nations
greater domestic mobilisation of
○ Parameters of Sustainable Development:
resources.
■ Economic: sustainable population,
Brundtland Commission sustainable productivity, and
● Formerly known as the World Commission on profitability of environment and
Environment and Development (WCED) natural resources
● Established to unite countries to work towards ■ Ecological: Protect and conserve the
sustainable development. environment through policy
● The commission was officially dissolved in interventions
December 1987 after it released a report ■ Technological: Environment-friendly
called “Our Common Future” also known as technologies and proper waste
the Brundtland Report, in October 1987. management
● This report defined and popularized the term ■ Political: Empowering the population
“sustainable development”. and maintaining peace and order

9
 ○ Agenda 21 UPSC Pre - 2016
■ Socio-Cultural: Resource access and
■ A non-binding
property rights, environmental
action plan for sustainable development.
awareness, and inculcating
■ Action agenda for the UN, other
environmental ethics
multilateral organizations, and
■ Institutional: Increase institutional
individual governments around the
capacity for sustainable development
world that can be executed at local,
national, and global levels.
Rio Summit /United Nations Conference on
■ The "21" in Agenda 21 refers to the
Environment and Development (UNCED)/ Rio de
21st Century.
Janeiro Earth Summit/ Rio Conference/ Earth
■ Objective- every local government
Summit (1992) should draw its own local agenda 21.
● Held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in June 1992. ○ Forest Principles
● Outcomes ■ Makes recommendations for conservation
○ Rio Declaration on Environment and and sustainable development in forestry.
Development - 27 principles to guide ● Two legally binding documents
countries in future sustainable ○ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
development. ○ Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC)

RIO+5 (1997)
● A special session of UNGA to appraise the status of Agenda 21.
● UNGA recognized progress as "uneven" and identified issues like increasing globalization, widening
inequalities in income, and continued deterioration of the global environment.
RIO+10 (2002)
● Held in Johannesburg
● 10-year assessment of the Rio outcomes
● Affirmed UN commitment to "full implementation" of Agenda 21, alongside the achievement of the
Millennium Development Goals and other international agreements.
Agenda 2021 for Culture (2002)
● 1st World Public Meeting on Culture (Porto Alegre, Brazil)
● Came up with the idea to establish guidelines for local cultural policies.
● Included in various subsections of Agenda 21 and carried out through a wide range of sub-programs
beginning with G8 countries.
RIO+20 /United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (2012), UPSC Pre - 2015

● A 20-year follow-up to the Earth Summit 1992 and a 10-year follow-up to the Earth Summit 2002.
● aka Rio 2012 or Earth Summit 2012.
● Hosted by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro in 2012.
● Reaffirmed the commitment to Agenda 21.
● 3rd international conference on sustainable development.
Sustainable Development Summit (2015) UPSC Pre - 2016
● Decided upon Agenda 2030 /Sustainable Development Goals.
● 17 goals have been decided along the lines of Agenda 21.

10
1.

Global Environment Facility UPSC Pre ○ United Nation Convention to Combat

- 2014
● Founded: October 1992 Desertification (UNCCD)
● Location - Washington, District of Columbia, ○ Stockholm Convention on Persistent
United States of America Organic Pollutants (POPs)
● Established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth ○ Minamata Convention on Mercury
Summit. ○ Also supports the implementation of the
● Unites 183 countries in partnership with Protocol in countries with economies in
international institutions, civil society transition.
organizations (CSOs), and the private sector.
Latest Update
● Addresses global environmental issues while
supporting national sustainable development • Recently, a report summarizing the first
initiatives. phase of implementation of the
● Independently operating financial Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI)
organization. was released.
● Provides grants for projects related to • Key Findings
biodiversity, climate change, international o Although there has been an increase
waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, in funding commitments for
persistent organic pollutants (POPs), mercury, Indigenous Peoples and local
sustainable forest management, food security, communities (IP and LC) to enhance
and sustainable cities. conservation efforts, the overall
● Serves as a financial mechanism for the funding landscape for them remains
following conventions: largely unchanged.
○ United Nation Convention on Biological o Donors have allocated less than 1%
Diversity (CBD) of climate change mitigation and
○ United Nation Framework Convention on adaptation funding to them.
Climate Change (UNFCCC)

11
 ● Acts as a policy adviser to its member states
Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) ● It also works with non-member countries,
• Aim: To enhance Indigenous Peoples’ especially China, India, and Russia.
and Local Communities’ (IPs and LCs) ● Focus on the "3Es" of effective energy policy:
efforts to protect land, waters and energy security, economic development, and
natural resources. environmental protection.
• It will support enhanced Indigenous and ● IEA member countries are required to
community stewardship across 7.5 million maintain total oil stock levels equivalent to at
hectares of landscapes, seascapes, and least 90 days of the previous year's net
territories with high biodiversity and imports.
irreplaceable ecosystems.
Indian Efforts to Protect Environment
• Endorsed by Global Environment
Facility (GEF) in 2022. Centre for Science and Environment
• Implemented by Conservation ● A not-for-profit public interest research and
International (CI) and IUCN advocacy organization based in New Delhi,
• Four Components India.
o Local Action to deliver Global ● Established in 1980
Environmental Benefits ● Works as a think tank on environment-
o Global IPLC Capacity Building development issues in India.
o Global Policy Influence ● Uses knowledge-based activism to create
o Global Knowledge Management awareness about problems and propose
and Learning sustainable solutions.
● In 2018 awarded with the Indira Gandhi Prize
International Renewable Energy Agency for Peace, Disarmament, and Development.
● Formation: 26 January 2009 Green Skill Development Programme
● Headquarters: Masdar City, UAE
● By MoEFCC.
● Membership: 160 states and the European
● A skill development initiative in the
Union
environment and forest sector designed to
● An intergovernmental organization mandated
help India's youth find gainful work and/or self-
to facilitate cooperation, advance knowledge,
employment.
and promote the adoption and sustainable use
● Aims to train green-skilled individuals with
of renewable energy.
technical expertise and a commitment to long-
● First international organization to focus
term sustainability.
exclusively on renewable energy, addressing
● Encompass the skills, talents, beliefs, and
needs in industrialized and developing countries.
attitudes required to live in, develop, and
International Energy Agency, UPSC Pre - 2022 promote a resource-efficient and sustainable
● Secretariat- Paris, France society.
● Establishment - 1974 ● Importance
● A Paris-based autonomous intergovernmental ○ By 2022, India will require about 10.4 crore
organization established in the framework of new workers across various industries;
the Organisation for Economic Co-operation therefore, skill development will be critical
and Development (OECD) in 1974 in the wake to meet demand.
of the 1973 oil crisis.

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 ○ Trainees may also be exposed to expertise National Green Corps 'Ecoclub'
in wildlife conservation, nurseries,
● National Green Corps (NGC), also known as "a
horticulture, and other fields and may be
programme of Eco Clubs”
absorbed by state governments’
● A statewide effort of the MoEFCC launched
Departments of Environment and Forests.
under the Environment Education Awareness
○ Aims to educate young people who have
and Training (EEAT).
been unable to complete their education
● Objectives
due to financial or societal restraints but
○ Teaching school children about the
who desire to learn new skills and
environment.
contribute to society.
○ Develop the necessary abilities of
○ The achievement of SDGs, INDCs, and
observation, experimentation, survey,
National Biodiversity Targets will be aided
recording, analysis, and reasoning for
by a green-skilled workforce with technical
expertise and a dedication to sustainable environmental conservation.
development. ○ Attitudinal correction in the community
○ Transitioning from an energy and ○ Educate youngsters about environmental
emission-intensive economy to cleaner and development issues through field trips
and greener production and service and demonstrations.
patterns necessitates green skills. ○ Encourage children to think logically and
independently to make the best decisions
Gross Environment Product
possible in a spirit of scientific inquiry.
● The concept of gross environment product
○ Motivate and stimulate young brains by
(GEP) was introduced in 2011 and Uttarakhand
immersing them in environmental
Government accepted it in 2021.
conservation action programs.
● GEP quantifies and assess human efforts to
improve the environment alongside The Energy and Resources Institute
economic growth and development.
● Specializes in the fields of energy,
● It is an assessment system to measure
environment, and sustainable development.
ecological status.
● It is considered as the product and service ● Established in 1974
value that the ecosystem provides for ● Formerly k/a Tata Energy Research Institute.
human welfare and economic and social ● 2016-17 - TERI set up the world's biggest
sustainable development, including facility for Mycorrhiza production in Gaul
provisioning, regulating and cultural Pahari, Gurugram, Haryana.
ecosystem services. ● Scope- climate change, energy efficiency,
● Overall, GEP accounts for the economic renewable energy, biotechnology, and social
value of the ecosystem in providing transformation.
products and services, and it is one of the ● Organises:
components of green GDP. ○ World Sustainable Development Summit
Green GDP (WSDS) - An annual summit that facilitates
● Green GDP is an indicator of economic growth the exchange of knowledge on diverse
with environmental factors taken into aspects of global sustainable development.
consideration along with the standard GDP of ○ LaBL (Lighting a Billion Lives) - An initiative
a country. It factors biodiversity losses and to provide clean lighting access to bottom-
costs attributed to climate change. of-the-pyramid communities.
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 ○ Green Olympiad - Conducted in association 3. Amazon Fund
with MoEF, it is an international environment ● Proposed: 1st August 2008, Operational:
examination that is annually organized for 1st March 2009.
middle and high-school students. ● To raise donations so that investments can
Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment be made to prevent, monitor, and combat
(GRIHA) deforestation, as well as to promote the
● It was conceived by TERI and developed with conservation and sustainable use of forests
the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in the Amazon Biome.
● It is a national rating system for green ● A private fund.
buildings in India. ● Managed by the Brazilian Development
Bank
Global and Indian Environment Funds
4. Bio Carbon Fund
1. Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture ● Operational in 2004.
Programme (ASAP) ● Administering Organisation: The World
● Proposed: 2001, Operational: 2012. Bank
● Administered by IFAD (International Fund ● Objective- To work alongside private firms
For Agricultural Development). that can provide capital, innovation,
● Objectives: operational resources, and technical
○ To channel climate and environmental expertise to accelerate the greening and
finance to smallholder farmers, securing of their supply chains.”
○ Scale up climate change adaptation in ● Activities Supported -environmental
rural development programs restoration, reforestation for fuel wood,
○ Mainstream climate adaptation into REDD+ activities, sustainable agricultural
IFAD’s work. land management, fast-growing tree
plantations for timber.
2. Adaptation Fund
● Proposed: 2001, Operational: 2009 5. Forest Carbon Partnership Facility
● Financial instrument under the UNFCCC ● A World Bank UPSC Pre - 2015
and its Kyoto Protocol (KP). program consists of a
● Established to finance concrete adaptation Readiness Fund and a Carbon Fund.
projects and programmes in developing ● Created to assist developing countries in
country Parties to the KP, in an effort to reducing emissions from deforestation and
reduce the adverse effects of climate forest degradation, enhance and conserve
change facing communities, countries and forest carbon stocks, and sustainably
sectors. manage forests (REDD+).
● Financed from Clean Development ● Fund proposed: 2007. Operational: 25 June
Mechanism (CDM) project activities as well 2008.
as through voluntary pledges of donor ● Administering Organisation- The World
governments. Bank.
● World Bank - Trustee on an interim basis. ● Objectives - To provide financial and
● Aims to support concrete adaptation technical assistance to:
activities that reduce the adverse effects of ○ Assist eligible REDD Countries to achieve
climate change facing communities, emission reductions from deforestation
countries, and sectors. and/or forest degradation
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 ○ Build recipient country capacity for
benefitting from possible future systems Latest Update
with positive incentives for REDD Sub National Climate Resilient Green Fund
6. Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable • Recently, Goa became the 1st state to
Energy Fund get the World Bank backed Sub
● A Public-Private Partnership (PPP). National Climate Resilient Green Fund.
● Designed to maximize the private finance • Stakeholders: Department of
leveraged through public funds funded by Environment, Government of Goa,
the European Commission and managed NABARD, SIDBI, and the Power Finance
by the European Investment Bank. Corporation (PFC).
● GEEREF is structured as a fund of funds and • The announcement was made during
invests in private equity sub-funds that the World Bank’s India Climate and
specialize in financing small and medium- Development Partners’ Meet, 2024
sized project developers and enterprises held in Panaji.
(SMEs) to implement energy efficiency and o The fund is being set up as an
renewable energy projects in developing outcome of 100% renewable
countries and economies in transition. energy plan for Goa, which was
● Proposed: 2006, Operational: 2008 announced at the G20 Summit.
7. Green Climate Fund UPSC Pre - 2015
● Established under UNFCCC as an operating 8. Least Developed Countries Fund
entity of the Financial Mechanism to assist ● Proposed: 2001, Operational: 2002
developing countries in adaptation and ● Established to meet the adaptation needs
mitigation practices to counter climate change. of least developed countries (LDCs).
● Proposed: December 2009. Established: ● Finances the preparation and
December 2010. Adopted in 2011. implementation of the National
Operational: in 2015. Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPAs)
● The GCF is based in Incheon, South Korea. to identify priority adaptation actions for a
● Governed by a Board of 24 members and country based on existing information.
supported by a Secretariat. ● Administered by the Global Environment
Facility with the World Bank as a Trustee.
Objective:
● Aims to address the needs of the 48 LDCs,
● Support projects, programs, policies, and
which are particularly vulnerable to the
other activities in developing country
adverse impacts of climate change.
parties using thematic funding windows.
● To become the main multilateral financing 9. Pilot Program for Climate Resilience
mechanism to support climate action in ● A targeted program of the Strategic
developing countries. Climate Fund (SCF), one of two funds
● To make an ambitious contribution to within the Climate Investment Funds (CIF)
attaining the mitigation and adaptation framework.
goals of the international community. ● Aims to pilot and demonstrate how climate
● The World Bank serves as the interim risk and resilience may be integrated into
trustee of the GCF, and the Fund functions core development planning and
under the guidance of and remains implementation by providing incentives for
accountable to the UNFCCC Conference of scaled-up action and initiating
Parties. transformational change.
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